Ugh, Todd Wellemeyer. That’s really all you need to know about last night’s offensive debacle in which the Phils could not figure out the veteran righty who sported a 8.16 ERA going into action. He finished after seven innings, allowing two earned. The Phils mustered just one extra-base hit.

On the bright side, this is the end of the Phillies nine-game road trip that spanned Atlanta, Phoenix, and San Francisco. Cole Hamels will look to close it out with a win and at least hit Philly on a high note. Hamels has been his usual consistently inconsistent self. His ERA is above five, he has one very strong start, and three very-average starts mixed in.

On the other side is the reigning two-time NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Not exactly what you want to see when you’re trying to leaving San Fran with a victory and some hope. The Kid is 4-0 with an ERA of one. That’s all, just normal stuff for him. He’s the only guy in baseball keeping pace with Roy Halladay on the mound, and luckily enough, the Phils get him today. He’s as nasty as they come, and he looks like your little brother. If they can figure out a way to get to Lincecum, something they couldn’t do against the likes of Wellemeyer, Sanchez, and Benson, the could plant the seeds for a positive homestand starting Friday.

Since singing a $125 million contract extension earlier in the week, Ryan Howard has struggled. He hasn’t homered since the Phils were in Houston (64-straight at-bats). I feel one coming today. Just a hunch, but damn does he need it.

Had this one the other night at the one and only Grey Lodge Pub and it was rather tasty. It’s dark color is a bit of a misnomer; it’s much smoother than it lets on. It’s meant to be paired with a stogie, something I’m not into, so pair it with some quesadillas, something I did do. It was a fantastic pairing. There are hints of toffee and caramel in it too, so if you’re a coffee drinker, it’s something you might enjoy as well. – By Pat